Weaknesses of the Articles of Confederation


  • Confederation Congress had no way to tax the states.
  • Each state had only one vote, regardless of size.
  • Nine of the thirteen states had to approve each law.
  • The Congress had no way to enforce laws that were passed.
  • Confederation Congress had no power to regulate foreign or interstate trade.
  • Amending the Articles required a unanimous vote of the state.
  • No judiciary or executive branch.